‘Begin Anywhere’, a John Cage quote, is a thrilling new work by Mel Mercier and John Scott, for six outstanding dancers from New York, France and Ireland and four musicians with backgrounds ranging from Sean Nós to electronic.
Begin Anywhere channels Cage and Cunningham’s artistic universe and inspirations, from Marcel Duchamp to James Joyce. Commissioned by Irish Arts Center, New York, both Cage and Cunningham have left huge influences on both Mercier and Scott. Mel Mercier Tony-nominated composer and sound designer—was an original musician in John Cage’s Roaratorio and John Scott, award-winning Irish contemporary choreographer, had extensive exposure to and dialogue with Merce Cunningham Dance Company and has collaborated with many Cunningham dancers of many generations. ‘Begin Anywhere’ is their response to their shared histories and influences taking Cunningham and Cage’s methodologies as a departure point.
This Dublin premiere will be preceded by Four Solos by Merce Cunningham, an arrangement of four solos choreographed by Merce Cunningham: Changeling (1957), Solo (19750, and excerpted solos from RainForest (1968) and Travelogue (1977). The solos will be presented in a continuous dance event with music by John King.
